At the second RPA Player's Board meeting of the season, Player Representatives discussed the key issues in the game and their ongoing objectives which were set at the first meeting. 

The Board heard from PRL's Head of Governance and Regulation Andrew Rogers on the Saracens Salary cap judgment, the leak of the unredacted report and PRL's decision to implement the Lord Myners Review, which will allow players and coaches alike to put forward their views on the cap. 

A discussion, led by the RFU's Medical Services Director Simon Kemp, was held on injuries and concussion within the professional game. The need for further dialogue between all stakeholders on practical solutions for reducing head injuries, with players and coaches to the fore, was highlighted. 
 
The topics of mid-season rest, mental wellbeing initiatives and the upcoming Restart Weekend were also discussed. Whilst the Board wished to convey their thoughts and best wishes to Michael Fatialofa and his family.

Reflecting on the meeting, Mark said: "There were a lot of questions around the salary cap and the Lord Myners Review that will be taking place. I think the positive thing to take from it from our point of view is that there will be really strong RPA and player involvement moving forward with the review.

"They are actively searching out the opinions of players on how things can be done better, how things can be simpler and more transparent. That is really important in terms of how we move forward now, and of course we will be there to support the Saracens players individually and collectively as well."

Watch Mark's full post-board interview:

RPA Group CEO Damian Hopley, said: "The most important thing for us is actually getting the players together and understanding what the issues are at club level and internationally, both 7s and 15s. Clearly it has been an extraordinary last few weeks in terms of the professional game and the Gallagher premiership. But seeing what has been happening locally has been devastating and sad I think for the game. Being involved with the Lord Myners review and getting direct player input into it, we believe, will be a really positive thing going forward because it is probably long overdue.

"Concussion is the number one injury within rugby, We have the PRISP report coming out later this year and we want to ensure that players engage and understand what potentially could reduce concussions. Whether that's around tackle height or game officiating and high tackle sanctions. These could actually make a positive impact on reducing concussions."

Watch Damian's full post-board interview: